Monday, 14 March 2016

Can Grown Up Women Wear Dungarees?

Dungarees?...Hmmm...
A very tricky style-subject, at any age.
Over 40? Just forget it!
Right?

Wrong!
I think that anyone can wear dungarees, at any age, if they want to.
As long as you can answer "Yes" to the three Golden questions...

Does it suit your body?

Does it suit the occasion?

Do you feel good in it?

If you can answer "Yes" to these three, then go for it!

I have to admit that 'on paper' this look is a potential disaster.
I have a few hurdles to overcome...

I am not pregnant, a model or 5. Dungarees are only good as maternity wear, on six foot stick insects or on young children.

I have cropped hair, which is slightly haphazard and 'undone'....not long and tumbling or perfectly groomed.

I am wearing them with a casual jumper. Casual top + dungarees = sloppy. Surely I will look like I am off to help on a building site, or farm...won't I?

It may come as no surprise to you that none of these 'problems' really matter to me!
I like the look of dungarees.
I like how they feel.
And, that is all that really matters.

Dungarees feel surprisingly feminine.
They fall away from the body and are not just comfortable, but also feel quite flirty.
I know that sounds strange, but it must be the way they skim the body, they make me feel great!

I am happy to say that some people agree with me!
They love their dungarees and look amazing in them, think Alexa Chung and Cara Delevigne...as well as the beautiful (and over 40) Catherine Summers.

However, most women buy them, wear them awkwardly a couple of times then promptly discard them to the back of the wardrobe.
Too expensive to throw away, too awkward to wear in public.
Maybe good for doing the garden or painting the spare room?

It is sad to see any item lying unloved, and unworn, BUT it is particularly tragic to lose such a versatile, comfortable and fun piece of clothing.

If you are swithering about dungarees (or are the owner of an unloved pair) there are so many different ways to wear them.
None of them make you look like a painter & decorator, or a farm-hand.
Why not give them another go this Spring?

Shoes to wear with dungarees:

Converse-style trainers.

Sliders

Ballet pumps

Platform sandals

Ankle boots

Booties

Peep toe shoe boots

Heeled pumps

Strappy heels

Birkenstocks

Colourful trainers

Brogues/wingtips/oxfords

Monks/double monks

loafers

Geek shoes

Clogs

Mary Janes

Flatforms

Tops to wear with dungarees:

Rollnecks

Crisp t-shirts (long or short sleeved)

Breton tops

Blouses with black ribbon ties or pussy bows

Chiffon blouses

Vest tops

Cropped tops

Peasant-style blouses

Statement sleeve tops/blouses

Fine knits

Chunky (open weave) knits

Cute tops with peter pan collars

Off the shoulder tops

Jackets/cover-ups to wear with dungarees:

Long-line, fine-knit cardigans

Chunky cardigans

Smart coats

Trench coats

Bomber jackets

Tailored blazers

Boyfriend-style blazers

Leather jackets

Cropped jackets

Smart/evening jackets

Fur coats.

The possibilities are endless!

This particular outfit came together easily.
My dungarees are so comfortable that I wanted to stay on that comfort-theme so I chose this open-knit, cotton jumper and tan peep toe shoes....doing a little bookending with my new hair.
{Thank you to Shiona @Zuri...check out her facebook page)

A stack of pretty bangles and a vintage enamel brooch added some colour and interest.

35 comments

So part of that equation of suit your body, would have to be the relative sizing of your chest to waist areas! Because of this---I need to pass on this item. But when I gain that extra 10 pounds around my middle that everyone keeps talking about---they could be a great option.One of the reasons (IMO) that this looks so great in your example is the fabulous shoes you're wearing with them!! It takes them from the farm to the city (and lord knows, I'm a city girl)! You are quite the rebel Samantha---I think you post about these items, just to prove you can wear them----and I say, good for you!! jodiewww.jtouchofstyle.com

Jodie, usually I am in agreement with you, but today....I have to disagree with you on the 10lbs issue. I think your curves would look incredible inside a loose pair of dungarees. Clothes can't hide outr true shape and the 'space' around your middle would be super-flattering and super-feminine, especially with a pair of your signature sexy shoes. That extra 10lbs would ruin the look. You Could rock them, no problem! XXXP.S...I think you are spot-on with your comment about me being a bit of a rebel. ;oD

I think you look absolutely gorgeous in those so for you very much YESand for my small flatchested friend YES (she was wearing them beautifuly for photoshoot with me for her band's page)for me?bit fat NOPEI'm size 16 and G cup, I look absolutely AWFUL so yes, if right for your shape wear them at any age! if not? better donate to charity ;)Alia

Fair enough Alia! If you don't feel great in them, then certainly donate. I am glad to hear that they work on your friend and thank you for your comment. XXXP.S....I am sure that with the right pair you could look just a good as your friend....if not better, with your fabulous, sexy curves!

lovely and cute outfit, I like particularly that 'gamine' style with a cool twist!, and I think you rock your shoes, they're perfect to add a modern and elegant detail!, love your accessorizing!I like dungarees, but haven't worn them from my teens, as I think they don't suit my full figure. But you're encouraging me to try them once more!besos

Samantha thank you for the lovely shout out!! As you well know I'm a dungarees fan - and strangely I like them because I am busty (F cup) and yet somehow they make me look much more flat chested which I like. So it goes against what I hear other busty girls saying about dungarees... Don't know why I'm different that way?!!

Loving your new hair btw, it looks so pretty. The colour of your top suits it beautifully and I love the colour under your dark dungarees - I have a classic blue denim pair and a grey pair and wear them loads except for during the winter. With all the other layers on top (and usually a sweater too) I can't handle the hassle of completely undressing when I go to the loo!! That's their only drawback for me, haha ;)

hahaha...yes, very true! The less "faffing" the better. I have to agree with your fuller bust rally suiting the dungaree look. As I said to Jodie (above), I think it is the empty-space that makes them look so good on you!Boobs fill the top, hips fill the bottom and that sexy-space in-between skims the body and suggests femininity and curves...all of these things are good! Dungarees are my new favorite item! They go with everything....and almost any shoe!XXX

Liyana...I am surprised that you have not found your perfect pair. I would LOVE to see your take on them! Get a pair ASAP (please)....more dungaree inspiration from you is guaranteed to be a good thing. XXX

I just bought a pair! I was eyeing up a black pair like your's last year, but the other day one of my favorite stores had a great blue denim pair that are fitted in the waist and have a wide flared leg. I need to hem them, but I can't wait to wear them and play around with all the different tops and accessories. I think they can be very sexy if done right.

They sound fab, Tori! Fitted at the waist and flared at the leg, I love that shape too. I agree that they can be very sexy....something left to the imagination always is, I think. Thank you for your comment. XXX

It's interesting what some of the well endowed ladies say about not suiting dungarees and I'm one of them. I think alot of it is to do with torso length. I'm short waited and booby and I feel like a blob in dungarees especially if the panel part is on the smaller size as I feel like I'm spilling out of the sides!!!However, you on the other hand, are rockin' this look. I particularly like the tan peep toes with the black.

I love reading your different dungaree experience..Spilling out the sides? I chuckled at that...awkward :oD. I think you are right about the waist length playing a part too. My waist is short but my boobs are on the small side and are in no danger of escaping (even if I wanted them to). Maybe if the boobies are bigger the waist needs to be longer..??? There must be a perfect 'dungaree formula' out there for all shapes and sizes. Maybe the maths boffins could do some calculations for us? :oD

There's no doubt about it Samantha you're rockin' these dungarees. With your cute haircut and equally cute shoes this look is a winner from top to bottom. I had some of these when I first got married and lived in them most of the time as they were so comfortable. Will have to keep an eye out next time I hit the shops xAnnaAnna's Island Style

You are truly rocking this dungaree, Samantha ! You look adorable and have the perfect body type to wear it at its best. Many kisses PS You are not five and wearing dungarees, in my latest post I am not five either and wearing pink tulle, LOL :-)

You look fantastic in your overalls and pink sweater - great color on you. I bought my first overalls in my 40s, so I fully agree with you - why can't we wear them and own them? We sure can. I have a full figure, and I still think they look awesome, so to your readers - just try them on if you're in doubt. Thanks for useful tips too!

I love dungarees and I would LOVE to own a pair but every time I've tried them on in recent years, I just think I've looked so awkward and wrong. I'm not giving up though, I am determined to find a pair to suit me! You look stunning in yours :)Suzy xwww.suzyturner.com

Definitely yes on you. You look pretty perfect in them. Love it with this sweater.Alas they don't suit me, never have either. With no bum or hips, dungarees and jumpsuits are dangerous items for me. But you have to curves to carry them of.Greetje

I bought a pair of dungarees. My 19 yr old daughter and husband are making fun of me saying I need to be down on the farm...mmmnnn...the tags are still on and I'm contemplating their return. I don't want to be mutton as lamb!!! Helpppp! Lol